HP and Godric's Vault - Chapter - 29 (Patreon)

Harry woke up early the next morning in his comfortable bed at Runestone Castle, feeling refreshed and eager for the day ahead. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting warm rays across the room. He stretched and took a moment to appreciate the peaceful ambiance of the castle before reaching for his portkey.

With a slight tug and a whirling sensation, Harry arrived at Highgarden, where the gardens were blooming beautifully. The vibrant flowers swayed gently in the morning breeze, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming roses and lilies. He glanced around, noting that Sirius and Remus had yet to arrive, but he was confident they would be here soon.

Deciding not to waste any time, Harry set about doing his morning exercises. He found a quiet spot on the soft grass and began his routine, focusing on strength and agility. He performed push-ups, squats, and stretches, feeling the energy coursing through him as he worked to maintain his fitness.

As he finished his warm-up, Harry heard a familiar voice call out. “Look at you, Harry! Already up and at it!” Sirius and Remus emerged from the path, having come through the Floo Network. Sirius had a wide grin on his face, clearly impressed. “We see you’ve been busy!”

“Morning, you two!” Harry said, wiping the sweat from his brow and smiling back. “I wanted to get some exercise in before we start dueling.”

“Good thinking,” Remus replied, joining Harry on the grass. “A bit of exercise is always good before a fight. Shall we warm up together?”

With that, the three of them began to stretch and perform some light warm-up exercises together, sharing a few laughs as they encouraged each other. Once they felt ready, Harry led the way to a clearing where they often practiced their dueling.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Harry said, determination shining in his eyes. He was eager to put his skills to the test against Sirius and Remus, both of whom were formidable opponents.

The duel began with a flurry of movement as they danced around each other, casting spells and countering with quick reflexes. Harry felt the thrill of battle coursing through him, the adrenaline heightening his senses. He cast a Stupefy, which Sirius deftly dodged, countering with a Shield Charm just in time to deflect Harry's spell.

“Nice try!” Sirius called out, a hint of laughter in his voice. “But you’ll need to do better than that!”

Remus, taking advantage of the distraction, charged at Harry with a series of rapid-fire curses. Harry ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding a stunning spell aimed at him. He quickly retaliated with a powerful Expelliarmus, disarming Remus momentarily, but he was back on his feet in no time.

“Good reflexes, Harry!” Remus praised, a competitive glint in his eyes.

They sparred fiercely, pushing each other to their limits. The sound of spells colliding and their shouts echoed in the clearing as they moved with precision and agility, each trying to outmaneuver the others. Harry felt exhilarated; the training was intense, but the camaraderie and support from Sirius and Remus made it enjoyable.

After several rounds of dueling, they paused to catch their breath, laughter mingling with the sound of rustling leaves.

“Alright, I think that’s enough for now,” Sirius said, his hair tousled and face flushed from the exertion. “You’re improving every time, Harry.”

“Thanks! I’m trying to keep up with you two,” Harry replied, his heart still racing from the thrill of the duel. “It’s so much fun!”

Remus nodded, wiping his forehead. “Just remember, Harry, it’s not always about strength. Strategy and awareness can make all the difference in a duel.”

“I know! I’m learning from the best,” Harry said, grinning widely at his mentors.

With their morning training complete, they decided to take a break and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Highgarden. They settled on the grass, chatting about their plans for the upcoming days and what Harry could expect at Hogwarts after the holidays.

As they lounged under the sun, Harry felt a profound sense of gratitude. The warmth of friendship and the thrill of learning surrounded him, and he knew that each moment spent with Sirius and Remus was shaping him into the wizard he aspired to be.

“Let’s make sure to keep up this training,” Sirius said, his eyes glinting with enthusiasm. “We’ve got a lot to work on if we’re going to be ready for anything!”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Harry agreed, feeling a sense of determination for the challenges that lay ahead.

Sirius stretched out on the grass, glancing over at Harry with a curious expression. “So, what’s your plan for today? I was thinking about heading to the cinema again, maybe catch another movie. Remus can join us, and we can have a good laugh.”

Harry shook his head with a smile. “I can’t today, Sirius. I promised Neville I’d meet him at Diagon Alley so he can buy his own wand.”

Sirius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Wait, why doesn’t Neville have a wand of his own?”

With a sigh, Harry explained, “His grandmother has been making him use his father’s old wand. It’s not working properly for him, and it’s kind of frustrating. I thought it was about time he got a wand that actually suits him.”

Sirius frowned, his expression turning serious. “That’s not right. Every wizard should have their own wand. I’m glad you’re helping him out, Harry.”

“I promised him I’d be there,” Harry continued. “But after we’re done, we can definitely have dinner together. I’ll tell you all about it!”

Sirius’s face brightened at the thought. “That sounds perfect! We’ll have a proper dinner and maybe even cook something special. I’ll be here waiting.”

Once they made their plans, Harry and Sirius headed back toward the entrance of Highgarden. As they walked through the lush gardens, Harry took a moment to admire the beauty of the surroundings. The flowers were in full bloom, and the vibrant colors were a feast for the eyes.

Arriving at the grand entrance, Harry pushed open the doors and stepped inside. To his delight, he noticed that the place was spotless. “Wow, it looks great in here!” he exclaimed, glancing around at the clean floors and well-maintained furniture.

“Your house-elves have been working hard,” Sirius noted, a smile creeping onto his face. “They really care about this place.”

Harry nodded, appreciating the effort Norky and Rosly had put into keeping Highgarden in such good condition. “They really have. I should tell them how much I appreciate their hard work,” he said thoughtfully. “But I also want them to enjoy themselves and take breaks. They do so much for me.”

Sirius grinned. “You’re a good friend, Harry. Maybe you could suggest some activities they might like to do in their free time. They deserve it.”

“That’s a great idea,” Harry replied, his mind racing with possibilities. “I’ll talk to them when I get a chance. I want them to know they can enjoy their lives too.”

After exchanging ideas with Sirius, Harry felt a renewed sense of purpose. He headed toward the library, planning to write a quick note to Norky and Rosalie to express his gratitude. As he walked, he imagined all the things they might enjoy doing—perhaps a little gardening, or exploring the grounds of Highgarden when they had a moment to themselves.

With a skip in his step, Harry entered the library, sat down at a nearby desk, and began to write. He knew that a little appreciation could go a long way, and he was eager to show his house-elves just how much their efforts meant to him.

Once he finished the note, he made his way to the door, ready to set off for Diagon Alley. As he left Highgarden, he couldn’t shake the warmth of anticipation that filled him—seeing Neville’s excitement as he chose his own wand would make the day all the more special.

Harry hopped off the Night Bus, the familiar bustling energy of Diagon Alley enveloping him as he stepped onto the cobbled street. Glancing at his watch, he noted it was just 10:30 AM, giving him a few minutes to spare before meeting Neville. With a smile, he decided to pop into the Leaky Cauldron, a place that held fond memories for him.

As he entered, the warm, inviting atmosphere immediately wrapped around him. Tom, the innkeeper, looked up from behind the bar and broke into a broad smile. “Harry! It’s good to see you, lad! How have you been?”

“Hi, Tom! I’ve been well, thanks! Just busy with school,” Harry replied, returning the smile. He loved the Leaky Cauldron and its comforting familiarity.

Before he could grab a seat, a wave of excitement swept through the pub as patrons began to recognize him. Whispers turned into murmurs and then into animated conversations.

“It’s Harry Potter!”

“Can you believe he’s here?”

Several witches and wizards began to approach him, their faces lighting up with enthusiasm. Harry felt a mix of warmth and nervousness as he found himself surrounded. Hands reached out to shake his, questions flying at him from all directions.

“Harry! How’s your time at Hogwarts?”

“Are you really a Griffindor ?”

“How did you defeat Voldemort?”

Harry took a deep breath, reminding himself of the importance of goodwill. “I’m doing well, thank you! Hogwarts is great!” he replied, smiling as he shook hands and answered a few questions. “I appreciate all the support. Thank you, everyone!”

He could feel the pressure of their expectations, the weight of being “The Boy Who Lived.” But as he graciously acknowledged their well-wishes, he also remembered how important it was to maintain a friendly demeanor. After a few minutes, he decided it was best to take his leave, not wanting to draw too much attention to himself.

“Thank you all for the warm wishes! I really appreciate it. I have to meet a friend now, but I hope you all have a great day!” With that, he stepped back, offering a wave as he made his way toward the door.

As Harry entered Diagon Alley, he felt a rush of excitement. The vibrant shops, the chatter of witches and wizards, and the tantalizing scents from various stalls filled him with energy. He scanned the bustling street for Neville and spotted him near the wand shop.

To Harry’s surprise, Neville wasn’t alone. Standing beside him was his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, her sharp gaze scanning the crowd with a mixture of pride and protectiveness.

“Neville!” Harry called, walking over with a grin.

Neville turned, his face lighting up as he saw Harry. “Harry! I’m glad you made it!” He seemed a little nervous, shifting on his feet as he introduced his grandmother. “This is my Gran, Augusta Longbottom.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Longbottom,” Harry said, extending his hand.

Augusta Longbottom looked at Harry and smiled a kind, proud smile. “I came with Neville today because I wanted to meet the friend who has changed his entire life in just a few months. Before he met you, he was such a meek boy. Now, just look at him!” She gestured toward Neville, who stood a little taller beside her, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.

“He’s strong physically,” Augusta continued, beaming with pride. “He’s lost most of his baby fat, and I’ve heard that he’s even leading a club now. It’s all thanks to you, Harry. He says it’s your encouragement that has made him the boy he is today.”

Harry felt a rush of warmth at her words, but he also glanced at Neville, who was looking more confident than ever. “I just helped him believe in himself,” Harry replied modestly. “Neville did all the hard work.”

Augusta nodded knowingly. “He even showed me how his father’s wand hasn’t been working properly for him. But the wand you offered him has been performing much better. That’s why I wanted to be here—to witness this important step in his magical studies. It’s time for him to obtain his own wand.”

Harry felt honored by Augusta's presence. He could see just how much pride she had in Neville, and he couldn’t help but remember how Neville had been when they first met. The shy, chubby boy had seemed overwhelmed by the world around him. But now, standing beside Harry, he was beginning to embody the potential he had always possessed. The transformation was remarkable, and Harry knew that for an outsider, witnessing the changes would be shocking.

With Augusta’s encouragement, they walked toward Ollivanders together. Harry remembered his own experience there, the magic and wonder of choosing his wand. He hoped that Neville would feel that same sense of excitement and belonging.

As they approached the shop, the familiar, rustic exterior greeted them. The wooden door creaked as they entered, and the scent of old wood and magic enveloped them. Shelves lined the walls, filled with countless boxes, each one containing a wand waiting for its perfect match. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

“Ah, Neville Longbottom! I’ve been expecting you,” Ollivander said, looking over the trio. “And you’ve brought Harry Potter with you. How lovely! I’ve heard wonderful things about both of you.”

Neville shifted nervously but managed a smile. “I’m here to get my own wand, Mr. Ollivander,” he said, his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach.

“Excellent! Every wizard deserves a wand of their own. Let’s get started, shall we?” Ollivander motioned for Neville to step forward.

As they began the selection process, Harry watched with keen interest. Ollivander handed Neville a few wands, each time observing the results with intense focus. The first wand, a slender holly wand, didn’t resonate with him. The second, a heavier oak wand, felt slightly better, but still not quite right.

Harry exchanged glances with Augusta, who watched intently, her pride evident in the way she held herself. She had clearly come to support Neville, and Harry admired the bond they shared.

“Let’s try one more,” Ollivander said, pulling a box from a higher shelf. “This is a wand made of vinewood with a dragon heartstring core. It’s known for its ability to help its user realize their true potential.”

Neville took the wand and held it carefully. Almost instantly, a warm, golden light shimmered around him as he waved it. A few small sparks flickered to life, illuminating the shop in a soft glow.

“Perfect! This is the one!” Ollivander exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “It suits you, Neville, and I can see that it will serve you well.”

Neville’s face lit up with joy, and Harry felt a swell of happiness for him. “I can’t believe it! Thank you, Mr. Ollivander!” he said, grinning ear to ear.

As Neville clutched his new wand tightly, Augusta wrapped her arm around his shoulders, beaming with pride. “I’m so proud of you, Neville. This is just the beginning!”

With a newfound sense of confidence, Neville looked up at Harry, gratitude shining in his eyes. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Harry. Thank you for believing in me.”

Harry shrugged, feeling a little bashful. “You’ve always had it in you, Neville. You just needed to see it for yourself.”

As they left Ollivander’s, wand in hand, Harry could feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness in the air. He was proud of his friend and excited to see where this new chapter would take them. The bond they had forged was strong, and he knew that with each step forward, they would continue to support one another through the adventures that lay ahead.